State gives initial OK for creation of new nursing program

The Louisiana State Board of Nursing gave its initial approval to Loyola University New Orleans to develop a new program that would offer nurses currently holding a bachelor’s degree a chance to earn a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree.

Over the next couple of months, Loyola’s School of Nursing will be marketing and preparing for early admission. The new program, if approved by the state, would be the first of its kind in Louisiana. Currently, nurses in Louisiana wanting to receive a DNP degree can only do so by first obtaining a master’s degree.

“Nurse practitioner education is evolving and offering this new course of training is the next step in that process,” said assistant professor of nursing Gwen George, RN, DNP, FNP-B. “Nurses who already have their bachelor’s degree and want to become a family nurse practitioner can receive their DNP by completing this three-year program and then be eligible for certification.”

In addition, the program is offered in an online format, so working nurses can continue their careers while also continuing their education. The School of Nursing will begin to accept applications for the bachelor’s to doctorate program on November 1, 2011 and intends to start the program in April 2012, pending state board approval.

To learn more about the DNP program or to apply, visit the School of Nursing and select doctoral program or contact Gwen George at 504-865-3986.